PRIDE Institute LGBT Treatment

Dr. Jon E. Grant, MD, Medical Director and Addictionologist
Dr. Grant is Medical Director at the PRIDE Institute and a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Grant conducts research in the area of substance and behavioral addictions and is the author of several books on addictions including Stop Me Because I Can’t Stop Myself (a book for patients and their families) and Impulse Control Disorders: A Clinician’s Guide to Understanding Behavioral Addictions.

Dr. Janet Schmitt, MD, ABFM
Dr. Schmitt provides psychiatric evaluations and ongoing care to PRIDE Institute residents as part of the medical care team. She received her doctorate in medicine from Michigan State University and completed her residency in family practice in St. Paul. Dr. Schmitt has worked with PRIDE Institute since 2004.

Amanda Richards, MA, LADC, LPCC, MT-BC, Mental Health Program Director
Amanda received her master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a concentration on cross-cultural counseling as well as her Professional Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling Education with High Distinction from the University of Minnesota. She also has her BM in Music Therapy from Southern Methodist University and is currently Board Certified through the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
Areas of expertise include: Alcohol and Drug counseling with focus on Cognitive-Behavioral approaches; Creative Arts Therapy; Counseling Couples and Families; Counseling Trauma Survivors; Impaired Professionals; and Psychological First-Aid for Caregivers.

Todd Connaughty, LADC, BS in Addiction Counseling, Addiction Program Director
Todd has worked for PRIDE Institute since 2006 in various positions including his current work as the program director. Prior to working in the addiction field, Todd received his Practical Nursing diploma in 1993 followed by ten years of working with pediatric and adolescent clients in home health care. Todd trained under Dr. Weston Edwards, LP, to work with LGBTQ sexual health issues and substance dependency. Todd is the father to three children, ages 12, 13, and 14, and currently lives with his partner of four years in the Uptown area of Minneapolis.

Melissa Anderson, MA, LAMFT, LADC, Counselor
It took Melissa a while to realize that psychology was her career path. Once there she found her passion and continued this by getting a Master in Counseling Psychology, along with her Post Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at St. Mary’s University. Melissa’s past training includes working with populations who have dual mental illness and chemical dependency.  She currently works with couples/families, and concerned persons as part of the Kindred program at PRIDE. Melissa is currently working toward full LMFT licensure, and hopes to continue to work with clients and their relationships with concerned families, parents, or partners to build a stronger foundation for success.

Sadie Broekemeier, MA, LADC
Sadie graduated from the University of Minnesota – Duluth with a psychology major and art minor in 2009. She completed her addiction studies at Hazelden Graduate of Addiction Studies program in 2010 and received her licensure shortly after. Sadie interned at Duluth Bethel Port with criminal men age 18-75 for six months and at Hazelden Children and Youth and Family Services for one year. She also interned with PRIDE Institute for six months prior to graduation. Sadie enjoys working with adolescents and with art therapy.

David Smith, LADC
David has worked with PRIDE Institute since 2008 in different capacities before obtaining my LADC. He has studied under Dr. Weston Edwards to obtain a better understanding of Sexual Health and the relationship to chemical addiction.  He also has experience at  The Retreat and Ark Counseling in admissions and the business office roles.  He has also worked for Saint Paul Sober Living managing their GLBT home for a few years. David is originally from Boston where he was elementary school teacher for many years. He moved to Minnesota eight years ago and decided to change careers to combine a passion for  recovery and teaching.  He loves working with others and helping people learn from the wreckage of addiction and develop a better sense of themselves so that they can go on and live a happy, joyful, and free life without drugs and alcohol.

Cindy Solberg, MA, LADC, LSW
Cindy’s completed her undergraduate work in the field of social work and psychology from Metropolitan State University. Her master’s degree is in Addiction Studies from Hazelden. She is currently working toward the Licensed Professional Counselor designation. Prior to her work in the recovery field she worked with low-income housing helping families purchase affordable housing. Much of her educational and work background is focused working with multicultural and adolescent clients.

Shannon Garrity, PsyD, LP
Shannon’s approach to therapy is dynamic and strength-based. She integrates tenants of Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. Her training is in clinical psychology and has experience working with body image issues, sexual health concerns, and a broad range of other mental health issues.

Neilla Metzger, RN, Director of Nursing

Neilla is a registered nurse with 27 years of substance abuse treatment experience. Her special certifications include: Certified Addictions Registered Nurse-Advanced Practice (Addictions Nursing Certification Board), and Certified Case Manager (CCM) Commission for Case Management Certification. She was born and raised in St. Paul and has two adult children adopted from Korea. Neilla is grateful to be a part of the recovery community.

Mary Burkert, RN, LADC, Lead Nurse, Nurse Educator
Mary received her associate’s degree as a registered nurse from Clinton Community College, in Clinton, Iowa, in 1981. She has worked as an EENT and medical surgical nurse at the University of Iowa; psychiatric nurse at the University of Minnesota; house supervisor, charge nurse, and nurse educator for the Ebenezor Caroline Center. Since March of 1998, Mary has worked at PRIDE Institute as a shift charge nurse, director of nursing, and presently as the lead nurse and nurse educator. She received her LADC through Metro State University in 2005. She has seen many positive changes over the years at PRIDE Institute and believes that the team is only getting better as they “Reach for Excellence.”

Ann Leible, LPC, MA, Utilization Review
Ann received her MA degree in mental health counseling and is NBCC certified and licensed as a professional counselor in the state of Minnesota. She has been working at PRIDE Institute since November 2001 with special expertise in assessment and utilization review.